Immortal Choices: The Payton Adams Series, #3

By Tori Rayne

Immortal Choices

 

Can Payton Save Sylvan Falls from Further Destruction?

 

The stakes are higher than ever before. Her courage will be tested to its limits when an enemy as old as time is revealed. She must come to grips with her growing powers and use them to face an even greater threat.

With danger lurking around every corner, Payton will have to confront her deepest fears and make difficult decisions that will determine the fate of everyone in Sylvan Falls. Will she be able to overcome the darkness that threatens to consume her, or will she fall victim to the sinister forces at play?

Besides confronting the Fallen Immortals, she must also confront her emotions for Sam and Joshua, and determine what she's prepared to sacrifice to ensure their safety.

What will happen if she unleashes her full power and takes up an ancient magical weapon to defeat her enemy?

Find out in this action-packed final book in the Payton Adams Series. Join Payton on her heart-pounding journey through the supernatural and fantasy world of Sylvan Falls, as she battles the Fallen Immortals to save her town.

 

This is the final book in the Payton Adams Series. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tori Rayne
• Release date: Oct 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9780995247185

Tori Rayne

Tori has been writing stories for decades and has always been an avid reader of mysteries, the paranormal, thrillers, fantasy, science fiction and historical romance. She enjoys writing fiction books that combine Magic, Fantasy, Metaphysical and the Paranormal.  At the moment there are no plans to release new books but The Payton Adams Series continues to be for sale.   

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

STREAMS OF MORNING sunlight flickered through the large window of Sam’s living room. He woke up to aching muscles, the result of falling asleep in an awkward position.

Sitting up straight, he winced as he rubbed the tension from his neck.

When he looked to his left, he couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Payton sleeping soundly, her breathing slow and steady.

She’d been left trembling after waking up from a nightmare hours earlier.

When she woke up screaming, he went to her. He figured they would both manage to stay awake by moving to the living room to chat.

Sam had not intended to fall back to sleep, though he welcomed the rest.

His own troubled nights, dreaming about the loss of his colleague Rick, were finally beginning to improve as he spent more time with Payton.

He was constantly amazed at her strength despite all she had been through.

Regrettably, it looked as though things were only meant to worsen with the new information Azrael and Joshua had shared with her.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Payton now had a stalker as well.

Glancing at the time, he realised they were late for work. He scrubbed his face with his hands and exhaled.

As he looked at Payton’s peaceful expression, he was hesitant to wake her up.

Her long brown hair cascaded over her pillow, framing her beautiful face. She had a slight curl at the corners of her lips.

She appeared to be having pleasant dreams.

A smile crept across his face, pleased by her presence.

Though he wasn’t thrilled about the circumstances that led to his invitation.

He admired her independence and understood that it must have taken a lot for her to agree to stay with him.

As he tried to move without waking her, Payton stirred. Sam sat back, his eyes fixed on the floor in front of him.

Payton pushed herself up to a seated position, and he glanced over to see her stretching her arms.

She wiped the sleep from her eyes and let out a loud yawn. What time is it?

Nearly nine-fifteen.

Payton abruptly stood and scratched her head, then attempted to smooth her hair.

Her eyes focused on his face. I can’t believe I fell asleep again! I guess I was more tired than I thought?

The sight of her made him grin, the corner of his mouth lifting in amusement. He stood across from her and gave a half shrug. Judging from your peaceful demeanour, I’m guessing you had no more nightmares?

Payton shook her head back and forth. No. I don’t even remember dreaming. She grinned at him. How do you feel?

Sam chuckled, massaging his shoulder. I’m a little sore from the way I fell asleep, but other than that, I’m great.

The warmth of her presence made his heart skip a beat. He wanted to help keep her safe.

Part of him wondered if she slept well because he was in the room with her, but he quickly dismissed it as wishful thinking.

Sam swept his hands through his hair. I was thinking... What do you think about telling Frank what’s been happening?

Bleary-eyed, Payton twisted some hair between her fingers and looked at Sam. Are you referring to Brian?

He ran the heel of his palm across his stubble and gave her a pensive look.

I mean everything. It’s possible that Frank hasn’t been told about the prophecy, as you said. And he might have some advice to offer. He may be able to help us figure out how Brian got a note into HQ. The least we should do is let him know you’re staying with me.

Payton nodded in agreement. I’m sure Azrael has told him something by now. We haven’t shown our faces in Operations or our office since yesterday morning. He’ll know something is wrong. To be honest, I want to get this whole stalking thing over with. I want to get back to work properly.

Sam completely agreed. He longed for a simpler time.

Payton frowned and averted her gaze as if deep in thought, then redirected her attention back to him.

Her lips formed a brief smile. I’ll call him after I have a coffee and a shower. I need to wake up before I tackle Frank and his paternal reactions.

Sounds good. I’ll make us coffee. I’m pretty sure I have some in the house, he chuckled. Go have your shower.

He headed for the kitchen to search the cupboards for coffee.

AFTER PUTTING THE COFFEE pot on, Sam headed down the hall to his own room to shave, brush his teeth, and change clothes.

Just as he was putting on a new shirt and boxers, the phone rang. Without looking to see who was calling, he answered. Hello.

How dare you! hissed an angry male voice.

Sam’s hackles went up.

He narrowed his eyes while the stranger continued blasting him.

You think you can take her away from me?

Sam was all ears, hoping to catch any clues about where the caller was.

He thought he’d heard traffic, but wasn’t sure.

Who is this? demanded Sam.

The voice was relentless. I’m going to kill you, Sam. And I’m going to make her watch!

Sam hollered on the phone. Who is this? Come and get me. I’m not scared of _

The call disconnected.

Sam threw his phone onto his bed and ran both hands through his hair, huffing out an angry roar.

Filled with outrage, the shifter bear side of him was on the verge of making an appearance.

He clenched his fists. If I get my hands on this guy, so help me.

A soft knock on his bedroom door brought his awareness back to the room.

Sam? Payton’s worried voice called out from the hallway.

Unclenching his fists, he hastily pulled on a pair of jeans and took a few deep breaths while striding to the door.

He threw open the door, attempting to subdue the irritation the phone call had stirred in him.

His body stiffened when he saw Payton standing in front of him, soaking wet, with only a towel wrapped around her.

His throat went dry. Damn.

Sam ran a hand through his curls, then cocked his head. Hey. What do you need?

His eyes darted to her dripping wet hair that stuck to her bare shoulders, causing his breath to quicken.

A beat or two passed as the situation sunk in. Sam wasn’t sure if Payton had ever read his mind.

Though based on a previous discussion with her, he doubted she would.

He prayed she had not heard his thoughts this time since he was trying hard to resist ogling her.

Even in her worry, Payton’s rounded eyes maintained their incredible appearance as she looked up at him. I was finishing up in the shower, but felt something going on in here. A lot of anger... are you okay?

Sam forced himself to swallow. Yeah. I’m fine. As he rubbed the nape of his neck, his eyes darted away from her.

She wrinkled her forehead. Samuel Clements. Are you lying to me?

One of Payton’s hands slid to her hip. She scrutinised him carefully, her mouth pursed.

He was shocked that she had picked up his feelings from the other room and was unsure how to respond.

Though besides her multitude of other unique qualities, she was also an empath.

He hesitated to tell Payton about the phone call.

She had enough to worry about.

It was nothing. I was just ranting... Sam faltered, chewing his cheek and still avoiding eye contact.

With a shake of her head, Payton approached him. The overpowering scent of her made it difficult for him to stand so close.

He looked down as she pressed her index finger to his chest.

I heard what sounded like your raised voice. And angry energy... coming off of you. So please don’t lie to me.

It still baffled him she heard him or felt his energy.

Could she sense what he was feeling right now?

He took a step back. You heard me?

Payton scrunched her face. Don’t change the subject. You know how easily I pick up emotions. Now tell me, what’s going on?

Sam put his arms out to the side. But you said you heard me? How?

He assumed he was the only one with excellent hearing due to him being a bear shifter.

She let out a sigh and folded her arms. It’s difficult to describe, but it’s not quite the same as hearing. It’s more of a psychic feeling.... Don’t dodge the issue, she said, waggling her finger in front of Sam’s face. Just tell me, did someone call? 

He rubbed his forehead before dropping his hands to his sides.

Okay. Yes ... Someone phoned. He was saying something about me taking you away from him. It was obviously Brian. He grimaced.

Payton pushed past him and stormed across the room to his bed. She grabbed his phone and checked the caller ID while Sam watched.

She looked back at Sam; her face drained of colour. Damn it, Sam. What if he knows where you live?

Sam covered the distance with a couple of long strides and was standing in front of her. He paused just as he was about to place his hands on her bare arms.

A low groan escaped him as he rubbed his hands down his thighs instead.

I’m sure he doesn’t even realise...,. He began.

Payton’s eyes flitted back to Sam’s phone, ignoring his groan.

When her eyes met his again, she looked fretful. But what if he does?

Payton backed up toward Sam’s unmade bed and sat down.

She shivered.

It was difficult for Sam to tell if she was scared or cold because of being wet.

His senses were overloaded with the aroma of soap, mixed with her own delicious scent he knew all too well from working with her every day.

He attempted to keep his arms by his sides. I should go see this Brian guy by myself, he growled.

Payton put a palm out. No! You can’t do that.

A long, awkward silence followed.

The longer she stayed in his room, the more flustered Sam became.

She sat on his bed.

Wearing only a towel.

Gazing beyond her, he heaved a huge sigh.

Okay. Let’s get to HQ and figure out a game plan. I might have an idea, but it means you staying the night in staff quarters.

There was a sharp intake of breath from Payton. No, Sam. I spent six weeks living down there already. I won’t...,

She shook her head before fixing her eyes upon him again. What is this idea of yours, anyway?

Sam tried to maintain his train of thought as he made eye contact with her again.  

He empathised with her situation.

Despite his wish for her to stay, he knew that only HQ could provide complete safety for her. But it was impossible for him to make Payton do something she didn’t want to do.

I want to lure the guy out. Let him know you are staying with me. We may catch him that way.

Unconsciously, Sam’s eyes drifted down across her chest and then to her long bare legs before moving back up to meet her eyes once again.

Payton suddenly noticed the direction of his gaze and followed it. Her cheeks turned bright red, and she hugged herself tightly, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Her response was limited to a single syllable. uh

Sam’s mouth twitched as Payton’s cheeks continued to glow.

She stood, and Sam stepped aside so she could get past him.

I’ll go dry off and get dressed... If you promise not to do anything about my stalker until I’m done? Payton stuttered, but didn’t turn to face Sam.

He bit down on his lip.

I promise. We’ll talk more when you’re...

Payton left the room in a hurry, leaving Sam’s sentence unfinished.

CHAPTER TWO

SAM WAS IN THE KITCHEN when his phone rang. This time, he noted the caller ID and saw that it was Frank. Sam answered after the second ring. Good morning, he smiled.

There was a brief pause before Frank asked, Sam? Where are you?

Sam sighed, realising neither of them had called Frank to let him know what was going on. Now he was late for work as well. He hoped Frank wasn’t angry with them both.

Sam rubbed the nape of his neck. I’m still at home. Payton is here with me. We need to talk to you, boss.

Frank paused a moment, sounding unruffled but resolute. If it’s not urgent, I suggest we chat later. I’ve got a case for you both....

ANOTHER TEN MINUTES passed before a well-dressed Payton entered the kitchen with her damp hair tied in a ponytail.

Sam was greeted with a grin. The earlier embarrassment was a distant memory.

Hey, Sam grinned back, handing Payton a cup of coffee. Double, double, just the way you like it.

Her eyes sparkled as she took it. Thanks, Sam. You spoil me.

She gave a lopsided grin, then blew on her coffee cup before taking a sip.

Sam stood at the kitchen counter, leaning his elbows down on it.

Frank called. He’s sending us on a case outside Sylvan Falls.

Payton’s face lit up. Where is it exactly?

Sam peered down at the phone in his hands and back at her. Gardenvale. Have you heard of it?

She shrugged. No. Sounds good, though. It will be nice to get out of Sylvan Falls for a little while. What’s the case?

Sam stared down at his phone again, placing it on the counter.

Frank is sending the file to our phones, he said, meeting Payton’s gaze. Last night, Operations received a call about a guy they’ve been monitoring.

A notification sounded on Sam’s phone.

He picked it up and scrolled through the file contents.

According to this, the man’s name is Harold Johnson.

He presented a photo to Payton.

She raised her brows. The guy looks normal enough.

Sam continued reading the file out loud. "The Agency became aware of him two years ago after his parents died in a strange electrocution accident. Not long after,